Cheapskate Wisdom … About Why Wireless Bills Are Different Than Other Bills

“There’s no water faucet in my house that I could turn — intentionally or accidentally — that would lead to a $68,505 bill for the month.”

From a NY Times story making the case that wireless providers should have to warn about impending “bill shock”—which occurs when a customer exceeds his cell phone’s plan limits and the bill explodes. Figuratively, of course. But the FCC says that 17% of American cell phone customers (30 million people!) have experienced bill shock at some point. And yes, one poor soul was hit with a $68,505 bill for one month of cell phone usage in early 2010.

For now, wireless providers are not required to inform customers that they are close to exceeding their monthly limits, no matter if doing so results in an extra $50 or $50,000 in fees. So it’s up to you, the consumer, to track your usage—and hang up the phone, if need be.